Marketing device

ABSTRACT

A marketing device that can protect merchandise from damage, debris, and theft, conveys size information of the merchandise, reusable, and provides an aesthetically pleasing way for display in retail stores comprising a cap, enclosure, and extension in one embodiment, or can be used separately. The cap may further comprise bands, other catching devices, or the like. The enclosure may further include a cavity capable of storing a plurality of trailer hitch balls.

TECHNICAL FIELD

The present disclosure relates generally to marketing devices, and, moreparticularly, to a marketing device for towing accessories, such as ballhitches, or the like.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

Marketing devices, such as blister packs have been employed to presentmerchandise in thin, clear plastic casings for displaying a variety ofmerchandise, specifically tools and tool accessories, in various typesof stores. These marketing devices allow retailers to displaymerchandise in stores for potential buyers to view the merchandisethrough the clear plastic casings prior to purchasing. Accordingly,marketing devices have been developed for single usage. Suchlight-weight materials and housing design, commonly made of transparentthin plastic, have produced economical marketing devices.

While such marketing devices exhibit acceptable display characteristics,they suffer from many disadvantages. Although blister packs provide someinsulation to prevent damage, the blister packs provide limitedprotection for heavier or malleable merchandise. Further, while thesedevices permit visual inspection of the merchandise contained therein,the blister packs are not reusable or aesthetically pleasing. While ableto reduce theft, these devices do not allow consumers to manipulate anycomponents. Additionally, even with satisfactory sales, these devicescontribute to greater environmental consequences due to the devicessingle-use quality.

As is well known in the marketing art, marketing devices that areaesthetically pleasing and allow consumers to view and manipulate thedisplayed merchandise are desirable.

Thus, it is clear that there is an unmet need for a marketing device,for merchandise and in particular for towing accessories, that affordsprotection from damage, debris, dirt, and theft, and yet reusable andpermits the merchandise to be manipulated and displayed in anaesthetically pleasing manner.

BRIEF SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

Briefly described, in an exemplary embodiment, the marketing device ofthe present disclosure overcomes the above-mentioned disadvantages andmeets the recognized need for such a device.

An object of the invention is to protect merchandise and components,from rust, debris and dirt. A feature of the invention is the cap and/orenclosure that sufficiently encase the merchandise. An advantage of theinvention is that it prevents rust, debris and dirt from settling oncrevices of the merchandise and protects the merchandise from water andliquid contaminants.

An object of the invention is to protect towing devices, specificallyhitch ball merchandise and components, from contamination, grime anddust. A feature of the invention is the cap and/or enclosuresufficiently encloses the towing merchandise. An advantage of theinvention is that it prevents corrosion, debris and dirt from settlingon crevices of the merchandise and protects the merchandise from waterand liquid contaminants.

Another object of the invention is to allow consumers to manipulatemerchandise contained within along with accompanying components. Afeature of the invention is that the point of attachment between thehitch-ball and shaft are exposed, as well as accompanying components. Anadvantage of the invention is that consumers can ensure that replacementhitch-balls, shafts, or components are compatible prior to purchase.

Yet another object of the invention is to prevent damage to the towingdevice. A feature of the invention is that it is preferably made ofnatural or synthetic rubber, plastic, composite. The plastic used forthe invention are much thicker and more durable than the plastic used incurrent marketing devices, such as blister packs. An advantage of theinvention is that when dropped, the merchandise is shielded from impactand protected from damage.

Another object of the invention is to allow display of the merchandisein an aesthetically pleasing manner. A feature of the invention is thatthe material can be made in a variety of different colors. Anotherfeature of the invention is that it allows indicia by carving orengraving the surface of the marketing device. An advantage of theinvention is that the colors can be associated to the size of the towingdevice, allowing consumers to quickly determine the size of themerchandise without having to continually read the small print on thepackaging.

An object of this invention is to reduce theft of separable componentsof the merchandise. A feature of the marketing device is that in oneembodiment, the invention comprises a cap and an enclosure which isremovably connected to the cap. An advantage of the invention is thatmultiple-component merchandise enclosed between the cap and theenclosure cannot be replaced without visibly damaging the marketingdevice.

Still another object of the invention is to reduce theft wherein themerchandise consists of only a single component. A feature of theinvention includes either a cap formed from thick plastic or anenclosure using fasteners. An advantage of the invention is that due tothe use of thick plastics, the shaft component of the towing device fitsextremely tight inside the cap and therefore would be difficult toremove the shaft from the cap in a retail store without drawingattention. Another advantage of the invention is that the enclosure forthe hitch-ball uses fasteners which lock the enclosure, requiringsignificant force to open; as such removing the hitch-ball would drawattention to the thief.

Yet another object of the invention is to minimize environmental impact.A feature of the invention is that the marketing device is not destroyedonce the merchandise is removed from its packaging. An advantage of theinvention is that the marketing device can be reused, either by theretail store or the consumer at home since the merchandise can bere-stored in the original packaging.

Briefly, in one embodiment, the invention is directed to a marketingdevice comprises a lid and a base defining an enclosure. The lidperiphery defining a first region of the lid in hingeable communicationwith the base, a second region of the periphery defining means forclosing the lid to the base, and a plurality of fasteners attached tothe second region of the lid to engage with the base. The base peripherydefining a first region of the base in hingeable communication with thelid, a second region of the periphery defining means for closing the lidto the base, and a plurality of fasteners engagement means attached tothe second region of the base to engage with the lid fasteners. In oneembodiment, the fastener further comprises a split snap-in pin withcantilevered hooks, the pin attached to the lid, and engaging with afastener aperture formed in the base. The marketing device furthercomprises a cap having a cavity, a periphery defining an open end, aclosed end opposite the open end, an interior, an exterior, a protrusionextending opposite to the open end defining an aperture, an indentationdefining an interior rim of the open end; and at least one extensioncomprising a first end and a second end. The extension can be in theform of a long strip (approximately two to three inches) or a shortsection of an inch. In one embodiment, the first end of the extension isattached to the exterior of the cap wherein the extension's second endterminates in an extension ring. The enclosure and the cap can beremovably connected by the extension, wherein the extension ring isreceived by one of the fasteners and the hinges are closed when themeans for closing the lid to the base. Alternatively, the extension ringof the cap may be attached to an object, such as a piece of merchandise,in order to hold a multiple number of pieces of merchandise together.

The invention also provides a marketing device comprising a cap furthercomprising a cavity, a periphery defining an open end, a closed endadjacent to the open end, an interior, an exterior, a protrusion distalthe open end which defines an aperture, and a lip which defines aninterior rim of the open end. The exterior further comprises at leastone extension attached to the exterior of the cap. The extension can bein the form of a long strip (approximately two to three inches) or ashort section of an inch. In one embodiment, the first end of theextension is attached to the exterior of the cap wherein the extension'ssecond end terminates in an extension ring.

In another embodiment of the invention, there is provided a marketingenclosure device comprising a lid and a base. The lid comprises a lidperiphery defining a first region of the periphery in hingeablecommunication with the base, a second region of the periphery defining ameans for closing the lid to the base, a protrusion separated from thehingeable communication region, the protrusion which defines anaperture, and a plurality of fasteners attached to the lid andengageable with corresponding fastener means on the base. The baseperiphery defining a first region of the base in hingeable communicationwith the lid, a second region of the periphery defining means forclosing the base to the lid, and a plurality of fasteners engagementmeans attached to the second region of the base to engage with the lidfasteners. In one embodiment, the fasteners further comprises a splitsnap-in pin with cantilevered hooks, the pin attached to the lid andengaging with corresponding apertures formed in the base. A plurality ofhollow cylindrical posts or tubes may be formed into the base and extendfrom the inside bottom of the base to a point proximate to the lid, whenthe lid and base are in a closed position. The hollow cylindrical postsanchor or secure merchandise within the enclosure to minimize movementof the merchandise. In another embodiment of the invention a pluralityof aperture may be formed in the lid and corresponding to the postsformed into the base to permit the customer to view and examine themerchandise elements. In one embodiment of the invention, the number ofposts may be varied as needed to stabilize the merchandise containedwithin the marketing enclosure. In an embodiment of the invention solidposts may be used

These and other features and advantages of the marketing device of thepresent disclosure will become more apparent to those ordinarily skilledin the art after reading the following Detailed Description of theInvention and Claims in light of the accompanying drawing Figures.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

Accordingly, the present disclosure will be understood best throughconsideration of, and with reference to, the following drawings, viewedin conjunction with the Detailed Description of the Invention referringthereto, in which like reference numbers throughout the various drawingsdesignate like structure, and in which:

FIG. 1 is a perspective view of one embodiment according to the presentdisclosure;

FIG. 2 is a detailed view of the enclosure portion of FIG. 1;

FIG. 3A to 3E are detailed view of the cap portion of FIG. 1;

FIGS. 4A to 4D are perspective, side plan, bottom plan and top planviews respectively, of another embodiment according to the presentdisclosure;

FIG. 5 is a perspective view of yet another embodiment according to thepresent; and

FIG. 6A, 6B and 6C are perspective and bottom plan view illustratingdetailed views of the embodiment of FIG. 5, and FIG. 6D illustrates analternate embodiment of the invention in perspective view.

It is to be noted that the drawings presented are intended solely forthe purpose of illustration and that they are, therefore, neitherdesired nor intended to limit the scope of the disclosure to any or allof the exact details of construction shown, except insofar as they maybe deemed essential to the claimed invention.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

In describing exemplary embodiments of the marketing device of thepresent disclosure illustrated in the drawings, specific terminology isemployed for the sake of clarity. The claimed invention, however, is notintended to be limited to the specific terminology so selected, and itis to be understood that each specific element includes all technicalequivalents that operate in a similar manner to accomplish a similarpurpose.

Possible embodiments of the present disclosure chosen for purposes ofillustration are shown in FIGS. 1-6. Marketing device embodimentsdepicted in these figures and other embodiments are preferably formedfrom polymers, natural or synthetic rubber, composite, or the like. Inone embodiment, the resilient material is molded, extruded, sculpturedor contoured to properly encompass merchandise to be contained therein.In one embodiment, the material from which the marketing device isformed may be flexible. In another embodiment, the material may also berigid and inflexible. The invention allows the device to encasemerchandise, such as, but not limited to towing merchandise, securely inplace while on display in stores or in the purchaser's home storage. Useof such material creates marketing devices suitable for consumers tore-use the devices by allowing storage of the towing device back in itsoriginal packaging after use in that it protects the merchandise fromwear. Additionally, thick plastics are preferable in order to reducedamage by providing protection to merchandise placed on display or instorage, i.e. when the hitch ball is dropped, the device would cushionthe hitch component to prevent breaking, chipping or scratching.

The invented marketing device can be aesthetically pleasing by utilizingdifferent colors including having the material be transparent orsemi-transparent. This allows for color coordination with the consumer'scar, garage, or workshop. Also, in one embodiment, the colors arecoordinated to indicate a specific size, so it will be easier for theconsumer to distinguish amongst the available sizes present withouthaving to read the packaging in detail.

Specifically, one of the embodiments of the present disclosure isdepicted in FIGS. 1-3. FIG. 1 shows a marketing device 10, for holdingmerchandise 12, the marketing device 10 comprising two elements, a cap14 and an enclosure 16. Marketing device 10 is designed to holdmerchandise 12 in a secure manner. The embodiment depicted in FIG. 1,wherein the enclosure 16 specifically holds a trailer hitch attachmentball 18; however, this disclosure does not limit the variety ofmerchandise that this invention can be used to display. In thisembodiment, the merchandise consists of two parts: a hitch ball assembly18 and a shaft 20. Inasmuch as there are two parts to the merchandise12, the marketing device has two corresponding components; eachoptimized to hold one of the parts of the merchandise 12. The marketingdevice 10 cap 14 holds the shaft 20 of the merchandise 12 and themarketing device 10 enclosure 16 holds the hitch ball assembly 18 of themerchandise 12. In another embodiment of the invention, additional caps14 or enclosures 16 can be used as needed to accommodate variousmerchandise.

As shown in FIG. 1, cap 14 includes a protrusion 22 defining an aperture24 extending from the closed end 26 of the cap 14. The shaft 20 isinserted into the open end 28 of cap 14.

Closed end 26 protects the shaft 20 of the towing device from rust,debris and dust build up. Protrusion 22 defining the aperture 24 is anextension of closed end 26, primarily used to facilitate display themerchandise in stores or for storage at home. As such, aperture 24 isdefined by protrusion 22 in a way that allows the aperture to receive adisplay fixture element, such as, but not limited to hooks, pegs, pins,or the like on store display boards or at a purchaser's home.

Additionally, cap 14 preferably defines a region 30 that is located onthe face of cap 14 to convey sizing or other information regarding themerchandise held by the cap 14. This region 30 is located on the surfaceco-planar with the aperture 24, so that when hanged on a display, theinformation is readily available inasmuch as it faces the viewers. Inthe preferred embodiment, the cap 14 has a region 30 which indicates thesize of the merchandise 12 enclosed by the cap 14. In this embodiment,the size indicator 30 is achieved by etching. In another embodiment ofthe invention, other means of indicating size can be used such asapplying a label or printing.

The cap 14 further preferably includes an extension arm 32. In oneembodiment, the extension 32 is permanently attached to a ridge of theopen end 28 of the cap 14. In another embodiment, the extension arm 32is integrally molded with the cap 14. In yet another embodiment, theextension arm 32 is removably attached to the cap 14 through the use ofsnap fit or other suitable removable attachment means. A free end of theextension arm 32 terminates with an extension loop 34. In anotherembodiment, the extension arm 32 may be a long strip (approximately twoto three inches, in one embodiment) designed to connect with enclosure16. In an alternate embodiment the extension arm may be a short arm(approximately one-half to one inch, in one embodiment) extendingperpendicular to the side wall of cap 14. In another embodiment of theinvention, more than one extension arm 32 may be used.

The extension arm 32 is attached to the cap 14, with the free end of theextension arm 32 defining the extension loop 34, the extension loop 34is attached to a fastener located in region 36 or 38 of the enclosure16. As such, if there is any tampering with the merchandise 12, theextension ring 34 will be noticeably deformed.

Turning to the enclosure 16, it is likewise operable to absorb and/orshield the merchandise from the force of an impact, such as an impactthat may be caused from dropping the unit 10. Additionally, enclosure 16has a region 40 conveying information, such as indicating the hitch ballsize, in one embodiment. In one embodiment the information is formed inthe region 40 by carving, engraving or stamping. In another embodimentthe information is provided by a label. In the depicted example, theenclosure 16 is fitted to hold a hitch ball having a diameter of twoinches. The carved text reveals the content of the hitch ball inside asopposed to the marking on cap 14, where the size is etched on. On thecap 14, marking but does not pierce through the device entirely toreveal the shaft 20 inside.

In one embodiment the enclosure 16 is fabricated from a lower densitymaterial than the cap 14. Inasmuch as enclosure 16 is fabricated from aless dense material than cap 14, the size indicator carving can moreeasily be made such that the underlying contents can be revealed.Whereas, the material from which the cap is fabricated would requiremore effort to carving away the material to reveals the contentscontained in the cap 14. The aforementioned are merely examples and donot limit the types of carvings or size indicators that may be utilizedwith this invention.

The extension 32 removably connects the cap 14 to the enclosure 16. Cap14 and enclosure 16 can be connected using extension arm 32, extensionring 34, along with a fastener located at regions 36 and 38. Prior toclosing and locking enclosure 16 using both fasteners located in regions36 and 38, the fastener located at regions 36 or 38 is threaded throughextension ring 34.

As shown in FIG. 2, enclosure 16 incorporates a means for closing theenclosure using fasteners located at regions 36 and 38, as depicted inFIG. 2. Specifically, the enclosure 16 is comprised of a lid 42 and abase 44 connected by a hinge 46, with fasteners 48 and 50 at theenclosure's periphery to lock the enclosure 16 in a closed position.Using hinge 46. the lid 42 and base 44 pivots on axis a towards eachother to the closing position. The fasteners 48 and 50 are threadedthrough the enclosure's fastener receiver apertures 52 and 54respectively. The mechanisms of fasteners 48 and 50 lock the enclosurein its closed position. In one embodiment, the fasteners furthercomprise a split snap-in pin with cantilevered hooks, the pin attachedto the lid and engaging with corresponding fastener receivers(apertures) 52 and 54 formed in the base.

Furthermore, hinge 46 allows enclosure to open and close along the axisα. The lid 42 and the base 44, when closed, forms cavity 56 which isadapted to receive merchandise through collar 58. In an embodiment ofthe invention the merchandise is the trailer hitch ball 18

FIGS. 3A to 3E depict details of cap 14. One end of the cap 14 is theopen end 28. The opening 60 as shown in FIG. 3B, functions to receiveand secure in position a shaft 20 of the merchandise 12 shown in FIG. 1.The cap 14 is sized to engage with the shaft 20 and secure themerchandise in position. The tight fit between the cap 14 and shaft 20make it difficult to remove the shaft 20 from the cap, thereby reducingtampering with the merchandise. Cap 14 is operable to absorb and/orshield from impact force, such as those that may be caused by themarketing device 10 falling from a display. Therefore, cap 14substantially reduces potential damage to the merchandise. Additionally,FIGS. 3B and 3C depict the bottom views of the cap 14 showing twoembodiments of cavity 62. In one embodiment, as shown in FIG. 3B thecavity for a shaft defines an opening 60 having a diameter of one-inch.

Often towing accessories are available in a variety of sizes. In thecase of trailer hitch devices; there are a number of different threadsizes depending on the size of vehicle that will be towed. For example,the shaft portion of a trailer hitch device can have a diameter of oneinch, three-quarter inch, one-half inch and so on. An insert adapted toreceive a smaller sized thread is added to the cap. Use of an insertprevents the manufacturer from having to generate a new cap mold foreach size thread. Generating a tube insert is much simpler and costefficient.

To adapt the cap 14 for smaller-sized threads, such as a three-quarterinch thread, a tubular insert 64 is added to the cavity 62 wherein thetubular insert 64 merchandise-contacting surface 66 is adapted to engagethe smaller-sized thread, as shown in FIG. 3C. A gap 68 is formedbetween the cap 14 and insert 62. The insert 62 may be fused or attachedto the cap 14 with an adhesive. The cross sectional view of the cap 14from FIG. 3D along axis A-A is shown in FIG. 3E, dividing the caplongitudinally. The cavity 62 is the region where the shaft component ofthe merchandise is contained. The closed end 26 of cap 14 prevents dirt,debris, or rust that may collect on the shaft while not in use.

A different embodiment of the invention is illustrated by FIGS. 4A-4D.FIGS. 4A to 4D illustrate perspective, side plan, bottom plan and topplan views respectively. Shown therein is a marketing device 70. In FIG.4A, the device 70 comprises a lid portion 72 and a base 74. In theembodiment shown in FIG. 4A, the lid portion 72 defines multipleapertures 76 arranged in proximity to three of the four corners of themarketing device 70. In another embodiment the apertures may be locatedin different positions on the lid portion in order to provide limitedaccess to merchandise contained therein. The embodiment in FIG. 4A-4D,illustrates the marketing device 70 with three apertures 76, however, agreater or lesser number of apertures may be used, depending on the enduse for the marketing device 70. In the embodiment shown in FIG. 1, thecorner closest to the protrusion 78 on the lid 72 does not feature acorresponding aperture 76. FIGS. 4B (side view), 4C (bottom) and 4D(top) depict the exterior and interior views of the invention in itsopen configuration. As shown in FIG. 4C, the protrusion 78 defines anaperture 80 on lid 72. The protrusion 82 defines an aperture 84 on base74. The lid portion 72 is connected to the base portion 74 by hinge 86,as shown in FIG. 4C and 4D. Multiple tubular inserts 88 are attached tothe base portion 74 of marketing device 70, as needed to stabilize themerchandise and help to hold merchandise in position for display. In analternate embodiment, the tubular insert 88 may be formed from the baseportion 74. The particular embodiment shown in FIG. 4A-4D shows twotubular inserts 88. In the embodiment illustrated in FIG. 4B-4D, thebase portion 74 defines two tubular inserts 88 which are permanentlyaffixed at the corners at the 3 o'clock and 9 o'clock positions, withthe 12 o'clock being the protrusion 80 on lid 72 and protrusion 82 onbase 74. Furthermore, fastener apertures 90, on the base 74, in thisembodiment, are adapted to receive fasteners 92, located on the lidportion 72 in this embodiment, once device 70 is in the closed position.

The apertures 76 permit consumers to view and directly interact with themerchandise, specifically in this instance trailer hitch balls. Thetubular inserts 88 are adapted to receive different sized hitch ballsfrom the towing device. In one embodiment, the tubular inserts 88 may beof standard size to reduce cost associated with retooling. In anotherembodiment, the diameter of the tubular inserts 88 may be varied tosuitably contain different sized trailer hitch balls depending on thesize range to be displayed. In another embodiment of the invention feweror additional tubular inserts may be used as needed. In an embodiment ofthe invention the tubular inserts 88 may be hollow cylinders. In anembodiment of the invention the tubular inserts 88 may be solid posts.Furthermore, tubular inserts 88 may indicate the size of the specifichitch ball that it holds through its hollow opening by a carving on theinterior of the shell 56. A region 94 on the exterior of the lid 72,shown in FIG. 4A, is designed to convey information about the contents,and can indicate hitch ball sizes, in one embodiment. Size indicationcan be by etching, carving, a label, or the like. These are merelyexamples and do not limit the number of other indicators that can beused.

The device 70 further incorporates a means for closing the enclosure byfolding the lid portion 72 onto the base 74 along the hinge 86, andusing fasteners 92, to engage with the fastener apertures 90, as shownin FIG. 4A. The device 70 is comprised of a lid 72 and a base 74connected by a hinge 86, with fasteners 92 at the device's periphery tolock the device 70 in a closed position. Once lid 72 and base 74 pivotson axis γ towards each other to its closing position, using hinge 86,and fasteners 92 is threaded through the fastener apertures 90 and locksthe device in its closed position. In an embodiment of the invention,the fasteners are split snap-in pins with cantilevered hooks. In itsclosed position, apertures 84 in the lid 72 and apertures 80 in the base74 substantially align with each other; as such the apertures incombination are adapted to receive display fixture element, such as, butnot limited to hooks, pegs, pin, or the like on display boards in storesor at home.

In its closed position, an internal cavity 96 is formed. Cavity 96 isadapted to hold merchandise with multiple components, such asinterchangeable hitch systems containing more hitch balls of varyingsizes. Structural dividers or ribs 98 may be added to provide additionalstructural integrity and to restrict movement of merchandise items.

Yet another embodiment is a marketing device 100, as shown in FIG. 5.The marketing device 100, as shown in FIG. 5 is similar to the cap 14,shown in FIG. 1; therefore, similar elements will be labeled with likenumbers in FIG. 5. The device 100 comprises a cap portion 14 having aclosed end 26 and an open end 28. The closed end 26 further comprises aprotrusion 22 defining an aperture 24 adapted to receive display fixtureelements, such as, but not limited to hooks, pegs, pins or the like, onpoint of sale displays or for private home garage use. Adjoiningmarketing device 100 is a plurality of shorter extensions 102 attachedto cap portion 14 and terminating in extension rings 104. As depicted inFIG. 5, the extension rings 104 are adapted to receive a component ofthe merchandise 106 and reduce the possibility of components beingstolen or lost. In other embodiments, there may be a single catch, orthe like, that is used to hold and secure an article.

Device 100 is designed to secure merchandise consisting of twocomponents, a shaft 106 and an additional component 108. The additionalcomponent 108 can be hitch pins, pin clips, adapters, etc. Device 100further functions to receive and secure merchandise components 106 and108 in position. Cap portion 14 is operable to absorb and/or shield fromimpact forces, such as those that may be caused by the unit droppingfrom a display. Therefore, the device 100 substantially reduces anypotential damage to the components 106 and shaft 108.

In the illustrated embodiment there are two rings 104, placed inparallel to each other, the centers of the rings 104 are aligned suchthat a straight-line β passes through the center points of the rings104. Additionally, marketing device 100 preferably has a region 110indicating the size of the merchandise in a similar manner as shown inFIG. 1. A variety of means can be used to indicate size, such ascarving, attaching labels, or printing.

FIGS. 6A to 6C depict perspective and bottom plan views illustrating thefeatures of one embodiment of the marketing device 100 to securemerchandise. The shaft component is inserted through the open end 28 andinto cavity 60. However, in one embodiment, the shaft 106, as shown inFIG. 5, is secured in place by an addition of a tubular cover 112 thatfits around the open end 28 of cap 14. The tubular cover 112 allows thepassage of the shaft component into the cavity 60. The shaft componentis held in place with lip 114, created by the tubular cover 112 havingan opening with a slightly smaller radius than the open end 28. A secondmerchandise article 108, as shown in FIG. 5, is held by a solid ring 104and a partial or open ring 116 with gap 118, as shown in FIG. 6D. Thecombination of the solid ring 104 and open ring 114 allow the article tobe removed without damaging the marketing device while making removal ofthe article difficult. In another embodiment, the tubular insert may bein the form of a separate component that is affixed to the cap 14 withan appropriate industrial adhesive. In one embodiment LOCTITE adhesivefrom the Henkel Corporation's polymer adhesives line is used, such asbut not limited to, product numbers H4800, 330, H 4100 and 3032, 322,3301 and 3321. In another embodiment of the invention component part maybe attached by fusing or melting the separate component to the cap 14.

The cap 14 of marketing device 100 provide protection to merchandise andreduce theft by combining related merchandise components together indisplay unit that permit customer access, while providing evidence oftampering. The cap, enclosure and marketing device are formed from anycommercial available material having sufficient structural strength andrigidity. The cap, enclosure and marketing device are former frompolymers, such as, but not limited to, polyethylene, polypropylene,acrylonitrile butadiene styrene (ABS) and polyvinyl chloride (PVC). Thepolymers may be filled or unfilled. Depending on the polymer selected,the coloration may be varied by varying the concentration of thematerial. In another embodiment, standard polymer dyes, such as, but notlimited to, azo dyes, acid dyes and dispersed dyes may be used.Alternatively, polymer compatible pigments such as, but not limited to,organic, inorganic or metallic based pigments may be used.

In an embodiment of the invention, the cap, enclosure and marketingdevice are fabricated from polymers and are formed to a thickness fromabout 0.5 mm to about 5.0 millimeters (mm). The device may be formedfrom thicker or thinner polymer layers, as needed, based on cost andproduct requirements. Additionally, plasticizers or processing aid maybe added to the polymer to improve durability and impact absorbingproperties.

Anti-Theft Mechanism

Items placed on product display are subjected to theft. The inventeddevice is better able to protect the merchandise from theft. Forexample, blister packs are made of thin plastic and can be openedrelatively easily. Some marketing devices are simply held by a singlestaple, which is easy to overcome and open the package. The inventedmethod reduces the risk of the merchandise being separated from itspackaging and end up lost or stolen.

Specifically, due to differences in air pressure inside and outside ofthe cap, a greater force is required to remove the shaft. As such, it ismuch more difficult to steal the merchandise from within its packaging,as compared to marketing devices which are made of more delicateplastics that can easily be opened and the merchandise contained withinstolen. Additionally, the mechanism used to fasten the enclosuresecurely holds the merchandise within and therefore makes it extremelydifficult to split open the enclosure and steal the components. As such,a thief would call attention to himself if he or she attempts to pryopen the device to steal the contents. If both cap and enclosure areused together, an extension connects the two portions to prevent theseparate components from being permanently detached and misplaced.

Having thus described exemplary embodiments of the present invention, itshould be noted by those skilled in the art that within disclosures areexemplary only and that various other alternatives, adaptations, andmodifications may be made within the scope and spirit of the presentinvention. Accordingly, the present invention is not limited to thespecific embodiments as illustrated herein, but is only limited by thefollowing claims.

1. A marketing device, for display of multiple merchandise articles on adisplay fixture element, the marketing device comprising: a. a capcomprising a cavity having an interior, an exterior surface, a base, aperiphery wall defining an open end, a closed end opposite said openend, an indentation defining an interior rim adjacent said open end; andb. at least one means for joining the cap to an a means for holdingcomprising a first end and a second end, wherein said joining meansfirst end is attached to said exterior of said cap wherein said meansfor joining second end is connected to the means for holding; whereinsaid interior rim of said cap open end engages and is removablyconnected to at least one article and said holding means engages with asecond article thereby holding at least two articles together as a unit.2. The marketing device of claim 1, further comprising a protrusionextending from said closed end of the cap the protrusion defining anaperture for attaching to a display fixture element.
 3. The marketingdevice of claim 1 wherein the means for holding includes a solid ring.4. The marketing device of claim 1 wherein the means for holdingincludes an open ring.
 5. The marketing device of claim 1, wherein saidcap further comprises a cylinder affixed to the interior of said cavitysaid cylinder substantially parallel to said cap interior.
 6. Themarketing device of claim 5, wherein said cylinder is in spaced apartrelation to the periphery wall forming a gap between the periphery walland the cylinder.
 7. The marketing device of claim 1, wherein thethickness of the peripheral wall varies thereby providing a section ofthe cap with a reduced interior diameter.
 8. The marketing device ofclaim 2, wherein said aperture defined by said protrusion is adapted tobe received by a hook on a merchandise display.
 9. The marketing deviceof claim 2 wherein said plurality of bands has a periphery defining anopening adapted to receive additional components of the merchandise. 10.The marketing device of claim 1, further comprising an enclosurecomprising a lid and a base, a lid periphery defining a first region ofsaid periphery in hingeable communication with the base, a second regionof said periphery defining means for closing the lid to the base, aplurality of fasteners attached to the second region of the lid whichengage with the base and secure the lid to the base, thereby forming acavity to contain a second article; and wherein the means for joining ofthe extension engages with the enclosure thereby attaching the cap tothe enclosure.
 11. The marketing device of claim 5, further comprisingmeans for indicating the size of article contained within the marketingdevice wherein a region of said lid defines first identifying indiciaand a region on said exterior of said cap defining second identifyingindicia.
 12. The marketing device of claim 5, wherein said cavityconforms to the shape of the second {third} article.
 13. The marketingdevice of claim 7, wherein the cavity is a spherical shape.
 14. Themarketing device of claim 5, further comprising means for indicating thesize of the article contained within the marketing device wherein aregion of said lid defines first identifying indicia and a region onsaid exterior of said cap defining second identifying indicia.
 15. Amarketing device comprising a lid and a shell, the lid and shell havingan interior and exterior surface, a lid periphery defining a firstregion of said periphery in hingeable communication with the shell, asecond region of said periphery defining means for closing the lid tothe shell, a protrusion opposite said hingeable communication definingan aperture, a plurality of fasteners attached to the shell along itsperiphery, wherein said fasteners further comprises a lateral springbias mechanism and wherein said hinges are closed when said means forclosing the lid to the shell receive said lateral spring bias.
 16. Themarketing device of claim 15, wherein at least a cavity is created oncesaid enclosure hinges are closed and latched in a closed configurationusing said fasteners.
 17. The marketing device of claim 15, furthercomprising means to indicate the size of merchandise contained withinthe marketing device wherein a region of said lid defines identifyingindicia.
 18. The marketing device of claim 15, wherein said aperturedefined by said protrusion is adapted to be received by a hook on amerchandise display.
 19. The marketing device of claim 16 furthercomprising a plurality of apertures in the lid to provide access to thecavity and a plurality of tubular members attached to the interiorsurface of the base and extending into the cavity.
 20. The marketingdevice of claim 19 wherein the tubular members correspond to theapertures formed in the lid.